KYTC Graduated Driver‟s License: A Parent‟s Guide for First Time Divers 10
RULES OF THE ROAD
Although you should impress on your teen to obey ALL motor vehicle laws, there are two rules of the
road that bear mention right up front: ·
First and foremost, the beginner should not be driving next to you, or anyone other than a
qualified driving instructor, without a Learner's Instructional Permit. This permit can be
obtained at the age of 16 years, with proper identification, permission from a parent or
guardian, and by passing the Kentucky law and vision tests. The "Kentucky Driver's Manual"
explains the details of how to apply for and the conditions under which one can operate a motor
vehicle with a learner's permit.
Second, and no less important, is that the driver of a Class D (operator) vehicle and all
passengers MUST be restrained by seat belts. The only instance in which the seat belt
provision does not apply is when a physician, licensed to practice in this State, determines
and certifies in writing that the use of a seat belt by a person would prevent appropriate
restraint due to that person's physical disability or other medical reason.
READY ••SET••
Just “going out and driving around" with your beginning driver is tempting, but we have
found that is not wise. Rather, a structure or plan is desirable in order for your teen to reap
real benefits from practicing with you. Each time you practice, decide ahead of time where
you are going, on what skills you will work, and what new challenges should be attempted.
Give careful thought to the areas where you practice. Use only those localities you
know a beginner can handle; then move on to roadways with more traffic. Plunging a
person into an extremely difficult situation to "sink or swim" might sound good in theory, but
it is NOT good in reality for your teenager or others in the vicinity of your practice session. It
could even create a life-or-death situation.
Determine for yourself how well the student controls the vehicle in a non-traffic situation,
even though the approved driver education course will provide basic instruction. See if he or
she can start the car; move the car in a straight line, both forward and backward; drive a
short distance; and stop smoothly. Test the young driver's ability to turn the wheel and
accelerate properly by making a right and a left turn while moving along. Then, have them
turn right and left from stopped positions.
Try to practice as often as possible. Start with sessions of 15 to 20 minutes, during daylight
hours. Lengthen these practice periods gradually to .an hour or so. When you both feel
ready, begin practicing in the same manner at night.
Remember - pushing this training is not smart. Only so much can be taught about driving in
a limited amount of time. Take a break if either of you becomes tired, confused, or
frustrated, or, consider quitting for the day if the new driver becomes extremely stressed.
Needless to say, no one's driving will improve under those conditions!